Liked. Past tense. “But not anymore?”
“We’re friends again, but we’re not best friends. But if you can get Mom to forgive you, we can be.”
“I’ll do whatever it takes because I love your mama. And I love you, too, Bernie. Hearing what your dad said to you made me crazy. I shouldn’t have hit him in front of you, though. No matter how mad he made me, that wasn’t right, and I’m sorry.”
It wasn’t right for her to see it, but I’ll never apologize for breaking that fucker’s face. Hell, if he comes back around, I’ll do it again.
“Like when you kissed the mean girl, and then I threw cupcakes?”
Very different outcomes, but yeah, I suppose she has a point. “Something like that.”
The doorbell rings, and I know it’s Misty. I’m surprised she lasted this long.
“That’s your mama. I’ll go let her in,” I say, getting up and walking to the door.
“How is she?” Misty asks when I open the door.
She’s crying, and I hate this. I hate all of this.
“Mom,” Bernie says, running over and hugging her, much to the cats’ dismay. “It’s okay, Mom.”
“Oh, Bernie, I’m sorry,” she says, wrapping her arms tightly around her daughter. “I didn’t mean to lie. I just—”
“I know.”
Sniffling, Misty wipes her eyes and laughs. “You know?”
“Zep explained it. And I’m glad you didn’t tell me. It hurts knowing Dad doesn’t want me, but it’s better to hurt when you’re older than when you’re younger.”
She looks up at me, and I want to kiss her senseless. “Hedid, huh?”
“We talked about how it’s her dad’s loss because she’s one of my favorite people in the whole world,” I say.
“You forgive me?”
Bernie nods. “I do. I understand now. I don’t think it’s right to lie, but I know you don’t want to hurt me. You want to protect me.”
“I do, baby,” she says, lip quivering as more tears fall. “I will do whatever it takes to protect you.”
“I also apologized for the violence in front of her,” I say, making sure Misty knows I’m not here to set a terrible example for her kid.
Bernie giggles. “What Dad said made him crazy, Mom.”
“It’s true. I also shouldn’t use that language in front of you, kiddo. I was doing so good until then.”
“Sort of.”
Damn it. I love this kid.
Misty still won’t meet my eyes, but at least she’s not trying to run away. Now, if I can just get her to listen to me, maybe I can make this all up to her. Show her that it won’t be a mistake to forgive me.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Misty
Zep talked Bernie down. He let her vent, and he explained why I didn’t tell her the truth. Helped her see why I never wanted her to know the truth.
And I know I should be angrier about the violence with Ben, but I’m really not. Especially after learning he told Bernie what he did. What kind of father does that?
